Next JS vs React: Which Framework to Choose for Front-end?

In order to choose the correct framework or library as a developer, you should always regard the developer’s experience. In simple terms, you should consider your convenience. While exploring these frameworks, many developers face the question ‘Next JS vs React: Which Framework to Choose for Front-end?’. There is a lot of confusion surrounding the right technology stack for their project. So, here we present a detailed comparison of Next JS vs React in this blog.

One of the most popular frameworks in the world of React is Next JS. It is a simplified development environment created on the basis of React. Though it contains a small learning curve developers will be able to learn it quickly. In conclusion, it will be a distinctive experience if you develop a project with it.

Also Read: Node js on hosting: Best Hosting Platforms for 2021

Next JS

Before discussing, ‘Next JS vs React: Which Framework to Choose for Front-end?’ let’s understand them separately. Next.js is a creation of Vercel that allows you to create fast and user-friendly web applications and static websites with the help of React. It is basically an open-source and lightweight web development JavaScript framework for React applications. the developers can use it to develop server-side rendering.

“With Next.js, server rendering React applications has never been easier, no matter where your data is coming from.”

Moreover, Next.js various characteristics include preview mode, pre-rendering, faster compilation, static export, and automatic building size optimization. So, it contains all the features developers require to create an application. Additionally, it has excellent documentation resulting in popularity among developers for front-end development.

Uses of Next.js

You can use Next.js for developing:

  • Marketing Websites
  • Landing Pages
  • ECommerce Websites

React

Now let’s discuss React before moving to the comparison of Next JS vs React: Which Framework to Choose for Front-end? React is the creation of Facebook and has undisputedly become the leader of the JavaScript world. The developers prefer it and React is a well-known front-end library for developing large web apps. You can build scalable, simple, and fast frontend interfaces for both single or multi-page web applications.

Developers can create user interfaces using React as UI is a combination of HTML and JavaScript. React is the standard for every industry eg., Redux has become the best library for the creation of enterprise-oriented React applications. React is more popular as a library instead of a framework. Because of this, you have to develop your processes, and one of them will become a framework known as Next.js.

Uses of React

  • Online Video Streaming Platforms (Netflix)
  • Social Media Platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter)
  • SaaS Tools (SendGrid, Asana, InVisionApp, Zapier)
  • Economy platforms (Airbnb, Lyft, Uber)
  • Media Platform (Yahoo!)

Next JS vs React: Which Framework to Choose for Front-end?

In case you are using Next JS and React for your development project then you will ascertain a lot of advantages and disadvantages of using them for React/JavaScript projects. So, now we will discuss Next JS vs React: Which Framework to Choose for Front-end?

1. Performance

There is a major difference between Next.js and React in terms of performance. On one hand, the Next.js applications are exceptionally fast. This is a result of the static destinations and server-side rendering. So, if you are choosing Next.js for your project, there will be automatic server rendering and code-splitting magnifying your development performance.

On the other hand, things are not the same for React. It will aid client-side rendering but it is not enough for high-performance application development.

2. Server-side Rendering

In the case of Server-side Rendering, Next.js supports it. basically, it gathers data and displays each request whenever you have to deliver a different view for different users. On the other hand, React does not support server-side rendering by default. However, you have the option to enable it. You can do so by integrating SSR with your preferred server and setup.

3. Configuration

Let’s discuss configuration in the topic of Next JS vs React: Which Framework to Choose for Front-end? Firstly, React is not a great aid for configuration. And you will not be able to change the setups unless you disconnect from the standard Create React App. So, the last option will be using the already configured CRA’s read-scripts.

On the contrary, you can configure everything with Next.js. You will be able to configure files using NextJS templates for eg.,  babelrcjest.config , and eslintrc .

4. Development Cost

Both of them are not on the list of the top-paying Innovations. Moreover, both are open-source resulting in economical costs if you are creating an application with the base of these technologies.

5. Maintenance

In this genre, both of them have fairly opinionated CRAs. they release updates on a regular basis. So, all you need to do is abide by the updates and they will be well-maintained.

6. TypeScript

Next.js backs TypeScript. Additionally, it aids configurations with touch tsconfig.json. However, React aids TypeScript with npx create-reach-app my-app – template typescript for CRA app.

Next JS vs React: Characteristics of Frameworks to Choose for Front-end

Next.js makes use of React for developing single-page applications as already mentioned above. Following are the characteristics that you can hold for the creation of ready-to-go applications by using Next.js:

  • Automatic Build Size Optimization
  • Server-side Rendering (SSR)
  • Enhanced Development Compilation
  • Pre-rendering
  • Static Export (SSG)

Let’s sum it all up with the image given below:

Next JS vs React: Which Framework to Choose for Front-end?

Is Next JS Better Than React?

This is an unfitting question because there is no answer to it. The choice solely depends upon the right choice of technology or library according to your project needs and business goals.

As already discussed above, React and Next.js have become the most important elements of the digital experience as a whole. So, you will experience seamless and faster project experience depending upon your choice.

What to learn: Next JS vs React?

This is a common question among the developers. And as an answer to this question, we have given you this blog ‘Next JS vs React: Which Framework to Choose for Front-end?’. You should not rush into learning any new technology without a proper understanding of its approach, future, advantages, and disadvantages.

You should have a basic understanding of React while you are dealing with Next.js. This is because this language is a creation depending upon React. There is no need to be well-versed in it but you should understand it as the workflow is heavily influenced by it. You have the option to touch on the official React tutorial to learn Next.js. This process will be better than just copying and pasting code from the examples.

Conclusion for Next JS vs React: Which Framework to Choose for Front-end?

There is no accurate answer to the question of Next JS vs React: Which Framework to Choose for Front-end? It will all depend on your project.

In case of Next.js, You will have the best server-side rendering and static website development solutions. Additionally, you will be able to manage your projects smoothly with different tools and features. Alternatively, you can choose React if you want to develop user interfaces for single-page applications. This is because you will be able to develop more appealing and intuitive applications by using the layer of mobile and web apps.

In conclusion, we can say that Next.js provides different features and tools for minimising the development process. On the other hand, React.js contains resources that are better for the front-end development of your mobile and web application. We hope our detail analysis on Next JS vs React: Which Framework to Choose for Front-end? is helpful to you. Thank you!